Draw the Line rallies across Canada challenge Carney's reactionary agenda

From the Toronto -- Image via X

Various Sources

Thousands of Canadians took part in "Draw the Line" rallies in major cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, as part of a coordinated national day of action.

The protests were organized by a broad coalition of over 200 national and local organizations, including environmental, Indigenous, labour, anti-war, and migrant advocacy groups, such as 350 Canada, Climate Action Network Canada, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, and World Beyond War.

In Toronto, close to 2,000 protesters marched through downtown, beginning at Sankofa Square and proceeding toward Queen’s Park. They carried messages emphasizing the need to hold the government accountable for climate inaction, rising inequality, and the prioritization of fossil fuel projects over public welfare. Ottawa saw large crowds along Wellington Street near Parliament Hill, featuring a publicly painted mural, symbolizing a visual "line drawn" against government policies.

The protests were directed at Prime Minister Mark Carney's government and various legislative measures.

1. Climate and environmental policy: Criticism of support for new fossil fuel infrastructure, fast-tracking liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, and appointing former pipeline executives to oversee major projects

2. Indigenous rights: Concerns that projects and legislation like Bill C-5 will bypass crucial Indigenous consultation and protections

3. Economic and social justice: Opposition to potential cuts in federal public services while the military budget is expanding, and challenging policies enriching the wealthy at the expense of the wider population

4. Immigration and migrant rights: Criticism of Bill C-2, which proposes stricter border controls and regulations affecting asylum seekers, with organizers highlighting a need for inclusion and protection of migrant communities

5. International solidarity: Protests included calls for action on global issues, such as demanding an arms embargo on Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights

Several public figures were present at the events, among them environmentalist David Suzuki, who stressed the immediate need for climate crisis action to benefit future generations. Activists, Indigenous leaders, and migrant rights representatives also spoke, highlighting the links between social, economic, and environmental justice issues.